Elysia Chandler (Public Health)
Statement:
Engaging with experts from medicine, psychology, nutrition, and social work through the LEAH Fellowship will deepen my understanding of adolescent sexual health and enhance my ability to develop a comprehensive research project and advocacy initiative. This will inform my dissertation on sexual assault prevention and the intersections of nutritional and sexual health, while also providing community-based insights to support my career goal of developing effective, community-engaged sexual health programs.
Education:
UTHealth Houston School of Public Health, Doctoral Candidate, Health Behavioral Sciences and Health Promotion, 2021 – Present
Harvard Graduate School of Education, Ed.M., Education Policy and Management, 2020
Mount Holyoke College, B.A., Psychology and Education, 2013
Hobbies:
When I am not studying or conducting research, I love to make ceramics through wheel-throwing and hand-building. I also like to building sculptural structures with materials like reed, rattan, bamboo, wood, and wire. I enjoy swimming, hiking and biking.
Dr. Caroline Gonynor
Statement:
I'm interested in multi-disciplinary work, especially with adolescents and learning more about leadership responsibilities in an academic medical center.
Education:
Texas A&M University, Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, 2023
Texas A&M University, M.S., Clinical Psychology, 2021
University of Texas School of Public Health, M.P.H., Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, 2013
University of Denver, B.A., Psychology and Molecular Biology, 2011
Hobbies:
Spending time outdoors, reading (silly and serious works), trying new restaurants, watching funny TikToks, listening to music, and singing in my car.
Daneeka Hamilton (Public Health)
Statement:
I am interested in participating in the LEAH Fellowship because it offers an outstanding opportunity for healthcare professionals to connect, learn, and collaborate with like-minded individuals. The program adopts an interdisciplinary approach, equipping participants with essential leadership skills to address the evolving needs of adolescents and young adults (AYA). Moreover, the LEAH Fellowship aligns with my career objective of promoting the well-being of present and future generations.
Education:
UTHealth Houston School of Public Health, Doctoral Candidate, Health Behavioral Sciences and Health Promotion, 2020 - Present
Ohio State University, Certificate, Public Health Leadership, 2014
Walden University, MPH, Community Health, 2008
Grambling State University, B.S., Biological Sciences, 1999
Hobbies:
In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, decorating and designing, meditating, reading, and traveling.
Rachel Ng (Nutrition/Dietetic)
Statement:
Prior to learning about the fellowship, most of my experiences are limited to nutrition education and food services for children. I believe the LEAH fellowship will provide a great opportunity for me to experience the clinical environment along with a diverse cohort from various backgrounds.
Education:
UTHealth Houston School of Public Health, MPH, Health Promotion and Health Education, Dietetic Internship Program, May 2025 (anticipated graduation)
Texas A&M University, B.S., Nutrition, 2023
Hobbies:
Cooking, exploring foods/restaurants, creating content, traveling.
Beverly Painter (Nutrition)
Statement:
I am interested in the LEAH Fellowship because it offers the opportunity to gain a variety of experience and knowledge in the field of pediatric nutrition.
Education:
The University of Texas Medical Branch, M.S., Nutrition Sciences and Health Behavior, 2025 (anticipated graduation)
Louisiana State University (LSU), B.S., Nutrition and Food Sciences, 2024
Hobbies:
My hobbies include being physically active (on my own or in a group setting), listening to music and podcasts, and traveling.
Allie Rogan (Nursing)
Statement:
The LEAH Fellowship is an incredibly exciting opportunity for me because I believe it would provide me an opportunity to better understand the specialized needs of the adolescent/young adult population. In my experience, there can be many gaps in care for these patients because they are often grouped in with either pediatric or adult patients, despite having truly specialized needs that may require a more targeted approach to address.
Education:
UTHealth Houston Cizik School of Nursing, Doctoral Candidate, Nursing Practice, August 2025 (anticipated graduation)
Sam Houston State University, B.S., Nursing, 2014
Texas A&M University, B.S., Health Education, 2012
Hobbies:
Traveling, reading, hiking and walking; spending time with friends/family, and my dog.
Dr. Jordan Schueler (Psychology)
Statement:
I am very interested in the merging of training in advocacy, clinical work, leadership, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Education:
Texas A&M University, Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, 2024
Texas A&M University, M.S., Psychology, 2021
University of South Florida, B.A., Psychology and Music Studies, 2017
Hobbies:
I do my best to promote and live a healthy work/life balance. This includes spending times with friends and family, my partner, my cat, and trying out new food and coffee shop spots.
